[brenda-johnson-2 Posts: 1 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Hi, I've written several MG and YA  novels but now an idea for a biography picture book is on my mind and WIP. I realize it's quite different from what I've done and would like recommendations for a PB course, online. What I've found so far are PB for under 6 years old, but mine would be an older audience, I think K - Grade 3. Suggestions?

[RebeccaL-G Posts: 1,436 Status: Offline RA SCBWI Cen-Cal WWW]

I don't know about an online course, but I'd study similar pb biographies for that age group that have been pubbed in the last 5 years. 

[dkshumaker Posts: 1,517 Status: Offline WWW]

Many PB Biographies are written for the elementary school audience, not preschool. I took an absolutely wonderful online class in the summer of 2018 by Donna Janell Bowman. It was one of the best online classes I have every taken. I know she's been trying to organize one for this year and she's delayed it several times. Here is a link to her website if you're interested:

https://www.donnajanellbowman.com/classes/

But I wholeheartedly agree with Rebecca. Read, read, read dozens of recent PB Biographies. And type up the ones that really speak to you. It's one of the best (and cheapest) ways to understand how PB Bios work successfully, IMHO.

And remember, we have a nonfiction board: https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?board=42.0
Take a look at all the topics. You might find some helpful posts there.

Good luck! Writing NF PBs are my favorite thing to do. :-)

[marla-lesage Posts: 376 Status: Offline Write. Illustrate. Revise.]

I did an online self-paced class but can't remember for the life of me where I found it! This one is coming up in the spring though: http://www.thewritingbarn.com/class/six-week-class-picture-book-biography-rob-sanders/ . I know nothing about the course but I do like Rob Sanders's writing. If you look under the classes there is another one that starts today, not sure if they're still taking registrations though!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,387 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Brenda, there are lots of great PB biographies for older kids. Teachers love them. I'd park myself in that section of the library and read, read, read, take notes particularly on the pacing, how they handle difficult topics (back matter). Our own Verla Kay has written several biographies in her cryptic rhyme style suitable for both younger and older children.

Check Highlight Foundation workshops and any classes offered locally too. I've just returned from the Carolinas SCBWI and went to a fantastic NF Biography workshop led by both an author and illustrator. I'm still consolidating my notes...stay tuned.